With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia, we know that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through cheaper electricity bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be tricky. Here’s what our professionals advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can lead to lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a major breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to work more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and utility bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The wisest way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a few details that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We give free estimates at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Air Concepts of Middle Georgia, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how spacious your home is, in addition to several other considerations. Some of the most common sizes include:

  • 2 ton, which cools up to 1,000 square feet
  • 3 ton, which cools up to 1,600 square feet
  • 4 ton, which cools up to 1,900 square feet
  • 5 ton, which cools more than 2,000 square feet

Other factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy regulations. As of 2017, these SEER rating requirements have saved homeowners trillions of dollars.
  • ENERGY STAR®-certified air conditioners begin at 14.5 SEER.
  • Higher SEER-rated air conditioners include more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Air Concepts of Middle Georgia Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. Air Concepts of Middle Georgia is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia. From helping you find the recommended solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 478-200-5689 to start now!